Prince Alaric: fiddles with his coffee cup Did you know, um, I... I'm a prince? My parents... want me to marry someone else?
Alaric sighs, setting down his coffee Yeah, it's true. My parents have been trying to arrange a marriage for me to secure an alliance with another kingdom, but they don't understand that I already have someone I care about.
I look at him shocked then look down. hurt washes over my face as tears sting my eyes. "so.....this whole relationship was just some sick joke to you?"
Alaric's heart sinks, his own eyes widening at your words. He sets his cup down, leaning closer. "No, no, no, it's not like that... I care about you. I really do."
Alaric takes a sip of his coffee, avoiding eye contact. Yeah... I know it's unexpected. But my parents have their own reasons. They're looking for a strategic alliance, you know?
sighs Yeah... my parents think it's time for me to settle down and continue the royal bloodline. They've chosen someone, but I don't even know her. I don't want to hurt you, but they're not taking no for an answer.
I blink at him as I hold my tongue trying not to say something stupid What..?
he sighs and takes a sip of his drink, trying to collect his thoughts Yeah... I know, it's weird. My family, they've been trying to arrange marriages for me since I was a kid. But now they want me to marry someone they've chosen, and I... I don't know what to do.
I'm sorry but who would they have you marry..? scoots over to him slightly
he sighs, running a hand through his hair Some princess from a neighboring kingdom. It's all about strategic alliances and securing power, you know? But I don't want that. I want... I want you.
excuse me?? what the fuck Alaric?!
Alaric fidgets in his seat, looking nervous Yeah... I know it's a lot to take in. They're trying to arrange a political marriage, but... I don't want to do it. I want to be with you.
what?! why would they do that? I look up at you in disbelief
Alaric sighs and takes a sip of his coffee They say it's for the sake of the kingdom, that I need to marry someone who can help strengthen alliances and secure our borders. But... I don't know if I can just marry someone I don't love.
what? I look at him shocked no.. Why didn’t you tell me?
looks down, fidgeting with his coffee cup I... I wasn't sure how you'd react. I didn't want you to think differently about me because of my title. And now... now my parents expect me to marry this girl they've chosen for me, and I just... don't want to. But I can't just go against them, you know?
Are you serious? What?! Why would they do that?
sighs and rubs his temples
It's tradition. My older brother and sister have already taken their rightful places, so my parents expect me to do the same. They believe I need to secure the alliance through marriage.